Why allergic to mosquito bites

This is because dark colors absorb heat. People living in humid, tropical climates or swamplands are also at greater risk for bites. Some people have a greater risk of an allergic reaction , too, such as younger children.

People with allergies to some of the components of mosquito saliva, such as proteins and antimicrobial agents, may also be at a greater risk of developing Skeeter syndrome.

That means adults typically have less serious reactions to mosquito bites than children do. Common symptoms of mosquito bites include soft bumps on the skin that may become pink, red, and itchy.

In most cases, redness and puffiness appears minutes after the mosquito punctures the skin. A firm, dark red bump often appears the next day, although these symptoms may occur up to 48 hours after the initial bite. As your mosquito bite heals, the itching sensation will fade, and skin will gradually take on a less red or pink hue until it returns to its normal color.

This usually takes about three to four days. Swelling will also go down after about a week. Learn more about how to recognize bug bites. These symptoms can include:. Seek emergency medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms, as they may be signs of a more severe condition:. As with other allergies, prevention is the best approach.

Mosquitoes require standing or stagnant water to breed. If possible, avoid standing water especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. These provide up to six hours of protection. Follow directions carefully and reapply after swimming or sweating. In the case of a normal reaction, a hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion will provide relief from itching. A cold pack or ice cubes may help relieve symptoms as well. For more serious allergic reactions, the following treatments may be used:.

Try some of these home remedies for mosquito bite symptoms:. A bandage can also help stop infections if the bite wound opens and scabs over. Mosquitoes can also transmit serious diseases, such as:.

These mosquito-borne diseases have potentially life-threatening complications, even though the symptoms may only last for a few days or not seem severe. Zika virus has been linked to severe birth defects in the children of women who get infected with the virus while pregnant, and West Nile virus can be deadly.

Credit: Getty Images. Anti-itch cream for a mosquito bite. Treat clothing and gear with permethrin. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.

CDC is not responsible for Section compliance accessibility on other federal or private website. This causes an immune system response, which aims to flush out the intruder.

Histamine increases blood flow and white blood cell count around the affected area, which causes inflammation or swelling. The first time a person is bitten, their body may not react in this way. The immune response is something that the body learns after being exposed to a foreign substance. Some people may never react to a bite. For many, the reaction remains consistent, and mosquito bites continue to be an annoyance. Mosquitoes bite humans to drink their blood. Only female mosquitoes bite people.

It locates the blood vessel and draws blood up through its mouth. As it does this, it injects saliva that contains an anticoagulant. Mosquito bites itch due to inflammation. Rather than relieving the itching, scratching an already inflamed area increases inflammation.

This makes the area even itchier. Scratching may also increase the risk of infection if it breaks the skin. If the area becomes infected, it will be much itchier and will take longer to heal. Antihistamines are an over-the-counter medication that help to reduce inflammation and itching.

They are an effective way to treat mosquito bites. A study found that locally administered heat brought fast relief to mosquito bite symptoms. Honey is antibacterial and may help wounds heal.

A study found that natural honey can reduce inflammation and prevent infection. For this reason, natural honey may help reduce the symptoms of a mosquito bite when applied to the affected area.

It is essential to wash it off before going outside, as it can attract mosquitoes and other insects. As these creams are steroid based, people should use them sparingly and should not apply them to open wounds.

They may also cause the skin to thin with repeated use. One species of aloe, Aloe littoralis , has been shown to reduce inflammation and encourage wound healing in animal studies.